In a recent statement, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, has sharply criticized the BJP government's economic policies, accusing them of fostering cronyism and engaging in regulatory mismanagement that has precipitated a crisis in India's banking sector. Gandhi asserts that these policies have led to significant distress among junior bank employees, who are now enduring stressful and toxic work environments.

Allegations of Loan Write-Offs and Economic Mismanagement

Gandhi highlighted that the government has written off loans amounting to ₹16 lakh crore, allegedly benefiting billionaire associates of the ruling party. He contends that this form of economic mismanagement has a profound human cost, adversely affecting thousands of diligent professionals across the nation. To underscore his point, Gandhi shared a video of his meeting with a delegation of former ICICI Bank employees who claim to have suffered due to such mismanagement. He emphasized that the Congress party is committed to advocating for these working-class professionals and aims to eradicate workplace harassment and exploitation. Furthermore, he has invited others who have faced similar injustices to share their experiences.

ICICI Bank Employees Speak Out Against Workplace Harassment

The delegation of ex-ICICI Bank employees recounted experiences of abrupt terminations, some occurring while they were on medical leave or had sanctioned absences. Others faced dismissal after raising concerns about management practices. These accounts suggest a troubling pattern of workplace harassment, forced transfers, retaliation against whistleblowers, and terminations without due process. Tragically, in two instances, such circumstances reportedly led to suicides among the affected employees. These practices, they argue, are not isolated to ICICI Bank but reflect a broader trend across private sector banks, driven by an intense pressure to maximize profits.

Government Response: BJP and Finance Minister Counter Gandhi’s Claims

In response to Gandhi's allegations, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has countered by accusing the Congress-led UPA regime of treating public banks as "ATMs for their cronies and shady businessmen," suggesting that the previous administration also engaged in questionable financial practices.

AIPC Demands Justice for Terminated ICICI Bank Employees

The All India Professionals' Congress (AIPC) has also weighed in on the matter, demanding justice for the 782 unfairly terminated ICICI Bank employees. AIPC's inquiry into the terminations revealed a letter filed with the Union Labour Commissioner, indicating that these dismissals occurred within a span of just six months. The gravity of the situation was further underscored by reports of two suicides by former ICICI Bank employees. 

Congress Alleges Broader Economic Decline Under BJP

Gandhi's critique extends beyond individual cases, pointing to a systemic issue within the current administration's economic policies. He argues that the government's approach has led to a weakened manufacturing sector, record-high trade deficits, high interest rates, declining consumption, and soaring inflation. These indicators, he suggests, are symptomatic of an economy that prioritizes crony capitalism over fair play, ultimately harming the nation's economic health and its workforce. 

BJP Retaliates with Corruption Charges Against Rahul Gandhi

The BJP has responded to these allegations by highlighting what they describe as corruption charges against the Gandhi family, asserting that Rahul Gandhi is himself on bail in the National Herald case. They argue that the Congress leader fails to address the corruption charges against him and the alleged scams involving his brother-in-law, Robert Vadra. 

Conclusion: Ongoing Political Debate Over Banking and Economic Policies

This ongoing exchange between the opposition and the ruling party underscores the deep political divisions regarding economic management and the treatment of banking professionals in India. As the debate continues, the affected employees and their families await concrete actions that address their grievances and ensure fair treatment within the banking sector.

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